• Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 19 & 20. U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel Field, across the street from the old Elbel Field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. Also, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Tisa Bryant: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series

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    Reading by this essayist best known for Unexplained Presence, her 2007 collection of essays on Black presences in film, literature, and visual art. Her essays focus on themes of race, gender, and LGBT issues in art. Also, tomorrow Bryant gives a free craft lecture (10–11 a.m., Michigan League, Henderson Rm.). 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA, Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Free. [email protected].

  • Nightspots

    Jim Cherewick.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Versatile veteran local postpunk rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Protocol”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series

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    Berlin-based artist composer Holly Herndon discusses her work and career. Her music is primarily computer-based, using a visual programming language to create custom instruments and vocal processes. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Oct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Oct. 1); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Oct. 8); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Oct. 15); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Oct. 22). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 1, 15, & 22) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Oct. 8), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Hub New Music: Ann Arbor District Library

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    This acclaimed Boston-based string and winds quartet performs the world premiere Systems of Similitude, a new work by Philadelphia composer Elijah Daniel Smith that draws inspiration from the literary dystopias of Lois Lowry, Aldous Huxley, Ray Bradbury, and George Orwell. Also, works by contemporary composers Julius Eastman, Angélica Negrón, and Daniel Thomas Davis that similarly comment on the dystopian nature of modern America. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Supreme Court’s Biggest Decisions 2025–26”: American Constitution Society MI Chapter

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    U-M law professor Leah Litman (and Strict Scrutiny podcast host), author of Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes, discusses the past term’s decisions. Free pizza at 5:40 p.m. 6–8 p.m., U-M Law School, 0225 Jeffries Hall, 701 S. State. Free. Preregistration required at getinvolved.acslaw.org/component/events/event/1751.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fangs & Venom”: U-M Museum of Natural History Science Café

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    Presentation by U-M life sciences professor Matt Holding and EMU biology professor Cara Shillington, an arachnid and arthropod specialist. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Note location change this month. 6–7:30 p.m., Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free; drink purchases encouraged. Seating limited, so come early. (734) 764–0478. 

  • Community Listing
    Free

    International Stuttering Awareness Day Celebration: U-M Speech Neurophysiology Lab

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    Pendleton Room, Michigan Union Floor 2, 530 S State St, Ann Arbor

    You’re invited! Join us Thursday, October 22nd for a fun-filled evening that celebrates International Stuttering Awareness Day and highlights the amazing members of our local stuttering community. This is a great way to connect with other individuals who stutter as well as their allies, friends, and family.

    This event is free and open to all. Members of the student group A2STAR and the U-M Speech Neurophysiology Lab will host a fair-like event with interactive activity tables and resources for all ages. Come browse the tables, make art with us, hear stories from stuttering community members, chat with a speech-language pathologist, and learn more about stuttering research. Dinner will be provided and attendees will be entered to win cool raffle prizes!

    This event is open to everyone, including those who don’t stutter, so we encourage you to share this with friends, family, and any stuttering or disability allies who are interested in joining the celebration.

    https://events.umich.edu/event/152955

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church

    GriefShare
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    4205 Washtenaw Ave.

    Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one. You are encouraged to join us on any week. Sessions are self-contained.

    The group meets on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM for one-and-a-half hours, ending at 8:00 PM.

    Each meeting consists of a video seminar, a discussion, and your personal workbook.

    Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.

    Get more information and register here: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Questions? Contact: [email protected]

    First meeting: Thurs., Sept. 10
    Last meeting: Thurs., Dec. 10

    https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Free